Method of fire control for torpedoes.



v H. w. SHONNARD.

- METHOD OF FIRE CONTROL FOR TOEPEDOES'.

APPLICATION FILED APB. 19,1912. 1,035,647.

Patented Aug. 13,1912.

4 anna-15 11111111: 1.-

win 38.58,- INVENTOH W Y vt-mwm v 1 ATTQRNH H. W. SHONNARD. METHOD or FIRE CONTROL FOR TORPEDOES.

. AYPL IUATIDN FILED APB. 19, 1912.

Patented Aug. 13, 1912.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2 I. WITNESSES mytiron H. w. SHONNARD.

METHOD 0]? FIRE CONTROL TOR TORPEDOES.

APPLIUATION FILED APB-A 1912.

1912. 4 SHEBTSSHEBT s.

- Patented Aug; 13

71,41. ivnvlrllda v! I 1 INVENTOR WITNESSES.

. H. W. SHONNARD. METHOD OF FIRE CONTROL FOB. TORPEDOBS.

APPLIGATION'IILED APR. 19, 1912.

1,035,647.- PatentedAug. 13,1912.'

4 SEEETISSHEET 4;

him

- WIT/$588529 INVENTOP A TTORNE Y S HAROLD W. SHONNTARD, OF EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY.

METHOD OF FIRE CONTROL FOR TORPEDOES.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Aug. 13 1912.

Application filed April 19, 1912. Serial No. 691,886.

T 0 all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, Hanonn' TV. SHON- NARD, a citizen of the United States, residing at East Orange, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new andv useful Improvements in Methods of Fire Control for Torpedoes; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The present invention relates to. an improved system of fire control'for. self-propelled torpedoes, having steering gyroscopes capable ofbeing spun independently of the internal propelling engine, while temporarily fixed in position with relation to the longitudinal axis of the torpedo, and adapt-.

ed to be freed from this fixed relation at the proper timej the mainobject and effect of which is to increase the accuracy .ofaim, and the object of a preferred variant of the method is to extend the range over which accurate shots may be made.

As is well known to those skilled in this art,t-he direction in the horizontal plane which will be taken by a torpedo automatically steered by a gyroscope, will be that direction to wh ch the axle of the gyroscope relates at'the moment when the gyroscope 1s setfree to exercise its governing influence, upon the steering mechanism of the torpedo and the course 1n the horizontal plane will be in said direction, only so long as the gyroscope is enabled, by its rotary action to maintain itself in its original absolute plane of rotation.

In aiming and firing self-propelled'ton pedoes, as hitherto accomplished, a gyro scopic wheel locked in a predetermined position' with respect to the longitudinal axis of the torpedo, is set in motion upon release of gyroscopic the torpedo from its position, of rest with-.

in the torpedo 7 tube, and simultaneously. with the starting of the internal'propelling apparatus;' and the gyroscope is subseqi'jiently released, or set free to exercise its upon the steering mechanism of the torpedo. It is therefore,

influence apparent that, where this old system of fire control is adopted, the time interval within which the wheel must. attain its velocity and must be released, is the time that the torpedo still remains within the launching tube after the ejecting impulse has been exercised within said tube. In practice this period of time is found to be so'short that very often the releasing of the fly wheel or gyroscope does not take place until after the torpedois beyond the control of the sighted launching tube, resulting in a de fleeting from the intended course, before the directing influence of the gyroscope can be bro-ught into play. The deflected course is then preserved by the gyroscope and the shot is a failure. This disadvantage is particularly serious where shots are made f \"n the side of an advancing vessel, since the surrounding water, which hasa relative movement aft, catches the head of the torpedo and causes a-serious preliminary deflection. If the gyroscope-has been completely spun and unlocked before this deflection occurs, it will be corrected automatically; but this correction will not be made if the deflection should occur before the unlocking of the gyroscope, which often occurs tinder the old practice.

My present invention relates to a method of torpedo fire control involving the certain unlocking of the gyroscope before possibility of deflection from the course determined upon. In its preferred form this .method also provides an indefinite time for bringing the gyroscope up to speed before the same is unlocked, thereby making it possible to use a heavier gyroscope and to impart a higher velocity thereto than has been possible hitherto. These advantages greatly increase the range over which torpedoes" may be made available. J

The broad method herein described an claimed was originally described and claimed in my prior application Serial'No.

5 l5,0l9, filed February 21st 1910, which resulted in 'my Letters Patent- No. 103013el. granted June 18th 1912, wherein certain apparatus herein shown is set forth and claimed. The method claim was canceled from said original application, and the present application is a continuation of said original to the extent of such, claim.

This invention is shown in certain illus trative embodiments in ,the accompanying drawings, wherei i Figure 1 is a sect onal and diagrammatic yiew of apparatus for practicing one variant of. my system or method in connection with certain well known types of torpedoes,

v and Fig. 7 is a side view of the Fig. Zfisa similar view ofa modificationof what is illustrated in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a side elevation of apparatus for practicing my method of'fire control which employs an external spinning motor for the gyroscope, Fig. 4 is a similar view of a modification of a part thereof, Fig. .5 is a transverse section of'a torpedo furnished for spinning by external motor, Fig. 6 is an end 'view' of the extemalspinning device,

I same.

Broadly described the present improved system or method of firing consistsin .sepa-' rating the functions of spinning and releasing'the'gyroscope, on the one hand, from the function of expelling the torpedo from the launching tube on'the other hand; and, furthermore, this method involves beginning to carry out one or both of the former functions, before exerting the expelling or launching impulse. This priority of action may be carried to the the spinning and unlocking or releasing functions before commencing the expulsion of the torpedo, but it is sufi'icientfor the purpose of the invention if the earlier func tions are completed before the torpedo has time .to be diverted from its true course by the operation of influences outside of" the launching tube.

In Fig.1 one variantof my'improved sys- 'tem is illustrated in connection with a well known form of torpedo, wherein the exter-- nal torpedo shell 10 contains a propelling engine 11 connected to the shaft 12 carrying the usual propeller blades 13, 14; and wherein the rudder 15 is controlled bya gyroscope '16 adapted to be spun and automaticallv unlocked by compressed air supplied from the flask orcontainer17 which supplies the air to drive the engine 11.' v

The torpedo may be ejected from the launching tube 18 by pressure created in any of the various wellknown ways, and I have shown for this purpose, by way of illustration, the compressed air flask 19, from which air to eject the torpedo is admitted into the tube 18 through the passage 20, when the valve 21 is opened.

As formerly used; the spinning and auto matic unlocking means for the gyroscope 16 have always been set in operation by the.

pressure of the ejecting air or other gases in the launching tube, so that these operations were necessarily confined to the short inter val of'time during which the torpedo was still within the directing influence of the tube 18, after exertion of the expelling impulse.

The apparatus. shown in Fig. 1 is adapted to automatically carry out my improved system or method, and to render the spinningand unlocking functions independentof the expelling function, so that they may I be carried out in the order of sequence matically with the apparatus point f of completing switch 35 43 pivoted at 44,'and the The action of the. spring 39.is resisted byofiwhich is furslot 48 in the rod 49 which hitherto described 'herein.,. It is l tobe understood, however, that my invention isnot confin'ed'to OVeIns the sequence of ,these functions;

to the engine .11 is governed by the starting valve 22 which may be offany desired design, being operated by a lever 23 c with a starting. latch 24 in a well manner, launched.

Passage of air for spinning the gyroscope is governed by may not be'placed in the valve 22 and is n OWII 29. A sprlng 30 acts normally with a tendency to push the rod 31 to the left in F ig. 1, and, asthis rodis connected with the up er endof the'latch28, it tilts this latch, w en released, so as to cause its lower end-to'jpush back the lever'27 and open 'the valve 25,: thu s admitting 'air throu h the pipe 32 to the ring, the latch 28- and the spring 30 are. confined by the catch33, which may be raised, so as to release the Before gyroscope.

latch 28, by any well known. means, as for instance by the magnet 34, controlledfby a on the electric circuit 36.. It is to befunderstodd that the use of any suitable means for independent spinning of the improved method of firing. l

' The particular apparatus shown in ,Fig. 1 includes means whereby release ofthelatch 28 will. set free the torpedo ejecting impulse at the propertime after the spinning ofthe For this purpose :the vvalve21 gyroscope. for liberating the ejecting air,'and the usual torpedo-retaining lock are connected mechanically in a well known manner, and are arranged for operation bya common spring.

The bolt 37 of the retaining lock normally engages a suitable projection-38 on the torpedoshel'l. Asprmg 39 tends constantl'y to raise the 'bolt 37, and this tendwhen the torpedo is expelled or.

the valve 25, which may or the pipe 26 leadingto. operatedby a lever 27 engaged bya movable latch-28v pivoted at gyroscope 16 is within the scope of my the use of apparatus which auto The passage of the air from the flask 1,7

ency is transmitted to the operating rod 40,

of the air valve 21, by means of the bell crank lever 41, the rod' 42, the locking lever hand lever 45.

the bent lever 46-, one arm nished with a pin 47 projecting through the is a continuation of the rod 31 A suitable dash pot or check cylinder 50 of well known character has its piston attached to the rod 49, and, after a preliminary quick movement suflicientto operate the valve 25, this check acts to slow up the further movement of the rod 49, so

as appropriatelyto delay the action of the end of the slot 48, upon the pin 47 whereby the bent lever 46 is locking lever 43.

moved for releasing the As soon as this locking I o roll and admits compressed air to we 18. The torpedo is pushed for and, it moves, the lever 23, being .1 by the latch 24, is drawn backward .11 ell known manner, thereby opening th ve 22, and admitting air to the promotor ll, for driving the torpedo.

i 2. is indicated a modification of is shown in Fig. 1, wherein the valve is so used as to start both the gyroscope and the propelling engine 11, when the op- 1g eateh 28 issuitahly moved. In the n in l igv 1, the starting of the .eseope takes place first {with well known. automatic release not shown), then the ejectimpulse is applied, and lastly the internal motor is started. In the form shown in Fig. 2, the internal motor is started together with the gyroscope. Either form is within the scope of the present invention. @peration of the apparatus by separate manual movements is also within the scope of the invention.

The apparatus shown-in'Figs. 3 to 7 inelusive, and the mode of its operation are also within the scope of my present invention. In these figures is shown apparatus wherein an external prime mover;-is made available for spinning the gyroscope. In Fig. 5 are shown .the detailsoi' one preferred form of apparatus slilitahle for carrying out this variantof-.my improved system or method. The flywheel of the gyroscope 16 carries on its axis a gear 51, and a.pinion"52,'on a longitudinally movable shaftv 53,.is adapted to mesh with said gear for the purpose of spinning said flywheel. The gyroscope as 40 a whole is properly locked by a sliding pin 54 having 'a flange 55 at its-rear end. an.

is constantly. admitted by the pipe 56 to the cylinder 57, and cooperates with the spring 58 (which is not absolutely essential.) to drive the plunger 59 outward. plunger carrgies a transverse pin tiO, one. end of'w'hich engages-a sleeve (ll-in which the shaft 53 rotates, while'the other end finally strikes the flange 55, and'removes the pm or unlock the gyroscope.

54, so as to p A second longitudinally slidable shaft- (ll is carried in long hearing tube 62, having. a water-tightvalve seat (33, at its outer end,-

andifil-to the right in Flg.

5 end of the shaft by the springfit). The

:eleased, the spring 39 unlocks the.

- squared and I arrow in Fig.

releas ng the external spinn ng shaft 67 and scope.

En d

shafts 71 and 72 andgears 7 3, 74 and 7 5 are used in a manner which need not be here set forth in detail to draw the shaft 53 to the left and insert the locking pin 54 while causing the gears 51 and 52 to engage.

This normal position is then made secure by pushing the shaft 61 inward and giving it a couple of turns to cause it to engage with the thread 64, whereby the automatic disengagement of the gears 51, 52 and removal of the pin 54 are prevented until the proper time. I

In order to spin the gyroscope an external engine 76 is used, which is preferably an electric motor governed by the switch 7 7. The external spinning shaft 67, has its bearing in the squared sleeve 78 adapted to slide in the guideway 79. Behind this rounded portion, the external spinning shaft 67 is slides through a sleeve 80, squared internally to fit the shaft 67, but

cylindrical externally soas to rotate within 7 a bearing 81. This sleeve carries a shoulder 82 and a pinion 83, which prevent long1- tudinal,movementthereof within the hearing 81. The outer end of the shaft (37 ear-.

ries a handle 84, whereby it may be pressed inward, together with the sleeve 78, to occupy the position shown in Fig. 7'. Here the whole is locked by the plate 85, pivoted at'86 to a hell-crank lever whose longer arm 87' preferably stands upright as shown. On tilting the arm. 87 in the direction of the 6, the, plate Will-belifted,

the sleeve 78. -When this occurs, theshaft is instantly withdrawn from the, torpedo and launching tube by the spring 88, acting through the bell-crank 89, onearm of which" I engages 'ina well known manner with: the

' socket 90, attached to the sleeve 7 8.

. The electric motor 76 carries upon its..-

armature shaft a gear wheel 91, which cooperates with the pinion S3 to; impart a 'veryjrapid revolution to the external 'spinning shaft 67:. This revolutiongis'atransmitted to the head- .of the shaft 61, and by it: to the internal spinning shaft 53, whose pinion 52 d ri'ves the flywheel of the The first two or three turns thus imparted free the shaftv 61 from the threads 64 in the bearing tube 62, thus leaving the )ist-on59 free to move the two shafts 53 5, when the external spinning shaft is withdrawn. .This movement frees the gyroscope from the pinion 52 and from the locking pin 54, and at thesame time drives the water tight plug.

or head 65 against the seat (33, so as to shut off entrance of water from-the sea.=.'

It will he seen, that, by the means just described, the spinning of the gyroscope may he carried on as long as desired, and the same may he unlocked, allqulte independently ot exertionof the expelling impulse the lever 87, whereby,

' described;

which launches thetorpedo. Inmost cases, 'however, tlris apparatus may be successfully combinedw th appropriate successive" action of the spinexpelling means- In 'mechanism for combining g and F1g'.--"i},--= for instance, the spinning1 accomplished by manipulation of is first e switch 7 7 so as to start the electric motor,fand thenthe unlocking may of .two'weys. One means" would involve the use-of a cylinder '92 containing a piston connected by the rod 93 to on admission of pompressed air to said cylinder the lever 87 wouldxbe moved to the. right. in Fig. 3:, there;

be accom 'lished in either by raising. the plate..8 5, and freeing the the manner heretofore The valve 94, for controllingthis purpose could be" located'lwherever found convenient; Also,

onthe'lever 87 could p ng shafts in mission-Oran for if desired, the handle I be used'for-unlocking. I

' and, movement- 0f the moves the lever 87, unlock the gyroscope.

' results is obvious.

. Ihe second 37 as heretofore described:

full speed by the electric motor, and the proper aim is secured, the locking bar 96 is struck. i This liberates the expelling" air,

so as to simultaneously In Fig. 41s shown'a modification,vvherein' the collar'97 on the rod 42 is'struclr bv the;

lever 87 when the latter is movedby hand or The modified operation which otherwise. I

I .refer the employment of means whereby-t e final unlocking f the splnning gyroscopeis accomplished .be-'

fore exertingihev expelling impulse. The advantage 0 this system-is that the unlock-'.

n'g can-be accomplished instantaneously at. the precise moment when; the proper aim issecur'e'd. This I eliminates error introduced byrolling of the vessel from which the shot 1sv made-or similar-causes; which error is unavoidable where the. expelling impulse is first applied and a moment or tvvo later, as the old practice.

or this purposeautomatic means capable of optional use is a collar 95- on therod &2," joining the ordinary firing latch 43 to thetorpedo 'lock After the gyroscope has been brought up to rod 42 and collar 95.

the gyroscope is unlocked What I- claim is'- l The method of torpedo fire control whereby accurate long range fire is facili tated in connection: with a self propelled tgrpedo having a steering gyroscope adapte ternal propelling means ,while temporarily fixedin'position with relation to the longitndinal'axis of the torpedo, in spinning the gyroscope launching after beginning the spinning op eration, fixed relation before the torpedo leaves the directing influence of the launching tube. I

whereby accurate'long range fire is facilitated which consists" while so fixed, initiatingthe 'final ejecting impulse for.

2. The method of torpedo 'fire 1 control in connection witha self-propelled to be rotated independently of the '1I1-:'

and; freeing the gyroscope'from its torpedo 'h'aving a steering gyroscope adapt-y 'ed .to be rotated independently of the in-' ternal propelling means jwhile temporarily fixed in position with relation to .the'longitudinal axis of; the-' torpedo', which consists; spinning; the gyroscope. while so'fixed,

initiating thec e'oting, im 'lilseafter the gyroscope has reached 's'u' V sta'atially full speed, and freeing the'gyroscope from .its 7 fixed relation before the torpedo leaves the directing influence of the launching tube.-

3. The :method of torpedo fire control- Whereby accurate long range fire is facili'- taxed in connection with a self-propelled ternal propelling means while temporarily fixed in position with relation-to the; lOIlgltu'dinal axis of the vt )rpedo,

which consists torpedo having asteering gyroscope adapted to be rotated independently of; the inin spinning the-gyroscope" while so -fixed,;

initiating the ejecting impulsev after the gyroscope has reached substantially full speed, and freeing the gyroscope froinits fixedrelation not substantially later than the momentof initiating: the ejecting impulse. a

In testimony whereof, I afiix my signature, in' presence of two witnesses-J 4 HAROLDW. SHONN'ARD.

, Witnesses: v

H. S. MACKAYE, LOUISA E. SIMsoN 

